Supporters of Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have launched a new political group, the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement, or OK Movement.
This comes as manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary.
Announced in Abuja on Monday, the group said it has established structures across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and has appointed state and zonal coordinators to drive mobilisation.
Justin Ijeh, the movement’s national publicity secretary, said in a statement that the initiative is a coalition of political forces made up of the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the ADC.
The development adds another layer of realignment within the opposition coalition, amid growing uncertainty over who will secure the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
The OK Movement appears to mirror the structure and grassroots appeal of the Obidient Movement, whose organic, youth-driven mobilisation reshaped Nigerian politics during the 2023 election.
Speaking to journalists, Ijeh said the platform brings together members from Kwankwasiyya, the Obidients, the NNPP and ADC.
“Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. Today, as our people endure the weight of unprecedented economic hardship, the soaring cost of living and the persistent shadow of insecurity, the OK Movement formally unveils its national and state structures,” he said.
“This is more than a political milestone; it is the birth of a co‑ordinated nationwide engine for systemic reform and national rebirth. We recognise the exhaustion felt in every Nigerian household. Yet, in this moment of darkness, the OK Movement stands as a beacon of resolute hope.
“The Movement is a home for all well‑meaning Nigerians. We reject the politics of tribalism, regionalism and religious sentiment that have long been used to keep our people divided while the nation falters.”
Ijeh added that the movement has built a robust support base nationwide and revealed a list of state and zonal coordinators.
“In the coming weeks, the official inauguration of our state chapters will commence across the federation. This is an open invitation to every Nigerian who believes that our current reality need not be our final destiny.
“Through solidarity, purposeful leadership and the courage to demand better, we will prevail. The structures are set, the vision clear, the movement is here and together, we will make Nigeria OK,” he said.
When contacted, Dr Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, confirmed the group is working in alignment with existing Obi support structures towards a joint presidential ticket under the ADC.
“Yes, Ijeh and others are some of our people. There is no division. Both the OK Movement and The Village Boys Movement are working for the same purpose,” he said.
The emergence of the OK Movement comes amid rising tensions within the ADC following the announcement by former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar of his intention to contest the party’s presidential primaries.
In a contentious interview, Atiku said he would not step down for any aspirant, a stance that has unsettled supporters of other leading figures within the coalition and intensified debate over the party’s likely standard‑bearer, particularly after Obi’s decision to align with the ADC following his 2023 campaign on the Labour Party platform.
Atiku also dismissed the prospects of other northern aspirants, saying none matched his level of political popularity. Those speculated to be eyeing the ADC ticket alongside him include Kwankwaso and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal.
The party, currently chaired by former Senate president David Mark, has attracted other influential figures, including ex‑Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai, further heightening the contest for its presidential ticket.
In response to Atiku’s remarks, the Kwankwasiyya movement rejected suggestions that Kwankwaso’s political influence—particularly in Kano—has waned, calling such claims inaccurate.
The group said only Obi and Kwankwaso command genuine nationwide grassroots support, insisting their followings remain “organic” and deeply rooted across the country.
The latest development highlights the intensifying struggle for dominance within the opposition coalition as various blocs position themselves ahead of the primaries.
